Korean Food, or K-Food, Grows in Popularity in Indonesia

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The popularity of Korean culture in Indonesia is not only reflected in the growing interest in dramas, variety shows, and K-Pop. The influence of the Korean Wave, or Hallyu, has also extended to the culinary sector, making various South Korean dishes increasingly familiar and widely available in Indonesia.

Ramyeon, tteokbokki, kimbap, jajangmyeon, kimchi, and fish cake are among the South Korean dishes frequently featured in Korean dramas and variety shows. This exposure has sparked curiosity among viewers to taste foods they have previously only seen on screen.

The influence of Korean cultural content on interest in Korean cuisine is also supported by data. According to a 2025 survey conducted by South Korea's Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Korean Food Promotion Institute among 11,000 consumers in 22 cities worldwide, 65.1 percent of respondents said they became interested in or tried Korean food after being exposed to Korean cultural content, including K-Dramas, K-Pop, and films.

In Indonesia, the growing popularity of K-Food can also be seen in the increasing number of places offering Korean cuisine. People can find Korean restaurants, street food stalls, and various Korean food products in shopping malls and culinary areas. The Korean Cultural Center Indonesia has also organized Korean restaurant tours introducing various dishes, including tteokbokki, kimbap, and Korean street food, to Hallyu enthusiasts in Indonesia.

Interestingly, Korean dishes served in Indonesia can also be adapted to local tastes. Tteokbokki, for example, is often available in spicier or sweeter variations, while ramyeon can be served with additional ingredients such as eggs, cheese, and various toppings. These adaptations make Korean cuisine more familiar to Indonesian consumers while retaining its distinctive characteristics.

Interest in K-Food has also continued to grow through social media. The Korean Cultural Center Indonesia has noted that Korean street food has previously become a trend on social media worldwide, generating considerable interest in K-Food. Food-related content, including recipes and food challenges, has also helped introduce Korean cuisine to a wider audience and encouraged people in various countries to try making and tasting it themselves.

The trend is not limited to the digital space. In 2026, the Korean Cultural Center Indonesia also participated in a K-Food Pop-Up Store in Jakarta organized by the Korea Agro-Fisheries and Food Trade Corporation (aT Jakarta). The event combined food promotion with Korean cultural experiences, providing Indonesian visitors with an opportunity to explore Korean cuisine firsthand.

Ultimately, the Korean food trend in Indonesia is not only giving people more culinary choices but also creating opportunities for local businesses to innovate. The combination of Korean flavors with local tastes and ingredients shows how cultural exchange can inspire new creativity while opening up new opportunities in the culinary sector.